Press Releases

Congresswoman Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT) at the launch event alongside students from Higher Horizons Head Start

June 18, 2024 – Co-Chairs Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and a bipartisan group of legislators who have close ties to the Head Start program launched the Head Start to Congress Caucus last Thursday.

The Head Start program has served nearly 40 million children and provided services for hundreds of thousands of families since it was founded in 1965. The program supports families and students by providing early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families. Studies show that Head Start students have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification and are more likely to invest time in their own children’s education. Members of Congress and many staffers were part of Head Start and benefited from its programs. 

Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX) are both alumni of Head Start and co-chairs of the new Head Start to Congress Caucus. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Congressman André Carson (D-IN), and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) are also inaugural members of the caucus.

The caucus hosted staff, parents, and students from Higher Horizons Head Start at the Capitol Visitors Center to celebrate the launch. Higher Horizons has served low-income families and children in Fairfax County, VA since 1963. The organization offers early head start, head start, and home based programs. 

“Not only do head start babies end up in Congress, but they also go on to be doctors, teachers, and have other wonderful careers,” said Co-Chair Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “I started my own academic career in Head Start, it’s where I fell in love with learning. We wanted to create a caucus that celebrates the possibilities an early childhood education through Head Start opens up. I want children to know they can reach for the stars. A little girl from Las Vegas, New Mexico made it from South Public to the halls of Congress,  and they can make it anywhere they set their mind to.”

 “Access to a good education is one of the most important tools we can give our children. From health services to educational programs—Head Start provides critical assistance to many families across South and West Texas. Before being elected to Congress, I served on the San Antonio Head Start Policy Council to ensure our children have the resources they need to put their best foot forward in life. I am excited to work alongside Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez to help build support for Head Start in Congress through the foundation of our new, bipartisan Head Start Caucus,” said Co-Chair Congressman Tony Gonzales.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Head Start, and as an alum, I know how important strong federal investments in early childhood education are to help foster successful futures for our children,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Last year I introduced the HEADWAY Act to help address teacher staffing shortages in Early Head Start classrooms, and today I am proud to launch the Head Start to Congress Caucus to help strengthen support for these critical federal programs and amplify the importance of early childhood education.”

"Head Start is more than a place where children can learn, it is also where parents can access housing, healthcare, and other resources," said Congresswoman Hayes. "Head Start is about community and truly reinforces the idea of 'it takes a village.' I am proud to be a Head Start alum and a founding member of the Head Start Caucus and I will continue to lead efforts to fund childcare and early education programs.”

“As a Head Start alum, I personally know the impact this program has on families. Early childhood education is key for development and translates to higher graduation rates and success later on. Every family should have access to this support, our caucus will be working hard to strengthen and expand Head Start for decades to come. I’m excited to work with my colleagues towards a future where every child has access to opportunity,” said Congressman Andre Carson.